How do you adjust a recirculating ball steering box?

First, turn the steering wheel gently from one stop all the way to the other, counting the total number of turns. Now, turn the steering wheel back exactly half way, to center position. Turn the Pitman shaft lash adjuster screw clock-wise to take out all lash in the gear teeth and tight-en the lock nut.

Can a steering box be adjusted?

There are two adjustments, the worm bearing tension, and the gear mesh adjustment. The bearings should be adjusted to get a few inch-pounds of drag on the worm gear (steering wheel), but you can adjust it by tightening up to remove the play, then go just a smidgen tighter..and tigthen the locknut securely.

What is over center adjustment?

OVER CENTER CLEARANCE- Controls the amount of play between the pitman arm shaft gear (sector) and the teeth on the ball nut. It is the most critical adjustment affecting steering wheel play.

Why is rack-and-pinion more popular than recirculating-ball steering?

The linkage that turns the wheels is slightly different than on a rack-and-pinion system. The recirculating-ball steering gear contains a worm gear. Rack and pinion systems give a much better feel for the driver, and there isn’t the slop or slack associated with steering box pitman arm type systems.

How do you fix a steering wheel that plays too much?

Replace faulty steering parts. Perform wheel alignment. Loose steering gear (rack or box) mounting. Tighten steering gear mounting bolts/replace mounting bushes.

What is over center preload?

OVERCENTER PRELOAD. 1. With worm bearing preload adjusted, rotate stub shaft slowly from stop to stop while counting total number of turns. With stub shaft positioned at either stop, rotate stub shaft back 2/3 total number of turns counted. Stub shaft should be back to exact center position.

What are the adjustments on the steering box?

Two adjustments should be checked and set to specifications if necessary. The first adjustment is the input shaft/worm gear thrust bearing preload. The term input shaft and worm shaft indicate the same part, just different names. The second adjustment is the sector lash adjustment.

How do you adjust the steering gear plate?

This adjustment is measured using an inch-pound torque wrench. The sector shaft lash adjustment is made after the worm shaft bearing preload adjustment. Turn the adjustment screw in and out of the gearbox’s top plate. Look down over the fender at the top of the steering gear to find the plate.

What makes a steering box turn without binding?

This screw also sets the amount of end play of the Sector Shaft. This screw must have enough clearance to allow the Sector Shaft to turn without binding on the screw, but no so much that there is excessive end play in the Sector Shaft to affect gear mesh.

How do you adjust the steering wheel on a Chevy truck?

Put jack stands under the frame! The worm bearings are adjusted by loosening the big lock nut, then turning the bearing housing. On the 59 and older trucks, this adjustment is at the bottom of the box, at the front. On the 60-newer trucks, look at the top of the box, where the steering shaft (to the steering wheel) sticks out.

What is the adjustment screw on a steering box?

Adjustment Screw to Sector Shaft End Play: The Adjustment Screw lowers the Sector Shaft into the housing and forces the Sector Shaft Teeth to mesh with the teeth on the Rack Block. This screw also sets the amount of end play of the Sector Shaft.

How is the clearance on a steering box adjusted?

This screw must have enough clearance to allow the Sector Shaft to turn without binding on the screw, but no so much that there is excessive end play in the Sector Shaft to affect gear mesh. The clearance is adjusted by changing the shim located between the Adjustment Screw and the top of the Sector Shaft.

How are the bearings in a steering box tightened?

The surface of the input shaft acts as the inner race to these bearings. The Input Shaft Bearing Nut tightens down into the box and tightens these bearings to the input shaft. This loads the bearings so that they are tight and hold the worm section of the input shaft securely.